SACRAMENTO — California public health officials on Friday said that an elderly Sacramento County resident is the state’s first confirmed death from West Nile virus this year.

No other information was provided.

“West Nile virus can cause a deadly infection in humans, and the elderly are particularly susceptible, as this unfortunate fatality illustrates,” Dr. Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health and the state’s health officer, said in a statement.

“West Nile virus activity in the state is increasing, so I urge Californians to take every possible precaution to protect themselves against mosquito bites.”

The state reported 53 deaths from West Nile virus in 2015, the most since California began recording West Nile cases in 2003. A Nevada County resident was the first confirmed West Nile virus death announced last year. The majority of fatal cases in 2015 occurred in Southern California.

In 2016, the department has reported 10 human cases of West Nile virus from eight California counties. In addition, 764 dead birds from 26 counties have tested positive for the virus in 2016, and 1,487 mosquito samples from 30 counties have also tested positive.

The number of dead birds and mosquito samples that tested positive exceeds the numbers at this time last year, and are above the state’s five-year average.

West Nile virus is influenced by many factors, including climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area.

The virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, anyone over age 50 and people with diabetes or hypertension have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications.

The state health department recommends that individuals protect against mosquito bites and West Nile virus by practicing the “Three Ds”:

DEET — Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. Insect repellents should not be used on children under two months of age.

DAWN AND DUSK — Mosquitoes usually bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.

DRAIN — Mosquitoes lay eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets, and other containers. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.

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